Fungal treatment boosts dairy cattle nutrition and weight gain significantly.
Fungi can make wheat straw more nutritious for dairy cows. Some types of Pleurotus fungi can break down straw and improve its protein content. Adding urea nitrogen to straw doesn't help the fungi grow. Fungal treatment reduces fiber in straw, boosts protein, and makes nutrients easier to digest. Cows fed treated straw gained more weight and produced more milk. Including 20% treated straw in their diet worked best for cow health and milk production. Late lactating cows also benefited from treated straw, showing improved nutrient intake and weight gain. Overall, fungal treatment of wheat straw can enhance its value as a feed for dairy cattle.